Charles Hyde's minor obstacles seem particularly insignificant compared to their past entanglements.
To them, a marriage certificate isn't as important as sharing their hearts.
When they got married, their hearts were most distant from each other.
Of course, although the marriage certificate isn't important, it's still necessary.
Brandan let out a low laugh, didn't say anything, and took a cigarette from the pack. The faint flicker of the lighter briefly illuminated the night. He took a drag, the blue-white smoke lingering in the dusk, outlining the subtle smile at the corner of his lips.
*
They sat in the garden for a while. Worrying that she might catch a cold, Brandan extinguished his cigarette after a dozen minutes and led her back to the villa.
Lady Hyde and Charles Hyde were sitting on the sofa talking. Seeing Brandan and Iris return, Lady Hyde smiled and said, "Brandan, the blueberry mousse is in the fridge. Remember to take it out for Iris later."
